SOMETHING TO KNOW ABOUT US

About Mosaic Youth Theatre Of Detroit

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit is one of Southeast Michigan’s most highly regarded cultural treasures.

Our critically acclaimed student-driven performances and national and international tours have brought worldwide attention to Detroit as a center for arts and culture while shining a spotlight on the area’s talented young people and creating new and diverse audiences for the performing arts.

Founded by Rick Sperling in 1992 to address gaps in Metro Detroit arts education, Mosaic served 25 young artists in its inaugural year.

Today, hundreds of youth from more than 50 Metro Detroit schools participate in Mosaic’s First, Second and Main Stage programs every year.

These innovative programs provide expert training, mentoring and opportunity to the area’s young actors, singers, and stage technicians, while fostering a culture of high expectations, active participation and acceptance that serves them beyond the stage.

Mosaic 2025

2025 – Mosaic’s

Envisioned Future

The Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, synonymous with excellence, innovation and opportunity, transforms the lives of youth by being the most.

Excellence On Stage And In Life : The Mosaic Model

Mosaic seeks to empower young people to create positive changes in their lives and communities by helping them develop patterns of cooperation, disciplined work habits and effective problem-solving skills through the creation of high-quality, professional-level performances of theatre and music. And by highlighting the immense talent of young Detroiters, Mosaic helps to create positive peer role models and young people who can view a more positive future for themselves and for their community.

Mosaic released the findings of a three-year study conducted by the University of Michigan Department of Psychology, The Detroit Initiative and area-Detroit community based organizations. The study identifies and assesses the internationally acclaimed, professional performing arts training program’s goals, practice methods, and expected outcome.

MEET OUR FOUNDER

Rick Sperling

Rick Sperling has been a dynamic force for youth and arts in Detroit for more than twenty years. As founder of the internationally-acclaimed Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, Sperling was named a 2008 Michiganian of the Year by the Detroit News for “inspiring self-discipline, a sense of teamwork and high personal standards in thousands of Metro Detroit children.” As a result of his work with Mosaic, Sperling has also received the Detroit Free Press award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre. Under Sperling’s leadership, Mosaic was named Best-Managed Nonprofit by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2006.

In addition to his work with Mosaic, Sperling has participated in a number of other community activities including:

One of the founding members of COMPAS (Center of Music and Performing Arts Southwest), which serves Latino youth and families in Southwest Detroit.

Serves as board member of CityYear Detroit

Serves as board member of University Musical Society

A member of New Detroit’s Cultural Exchange Network. Sperling is a graduate of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Leadership Detroit program.

Sperling has been a featured presenter at several national conferences, including:

National Council on Foundations

National After School Alliance

National Guild for Community Arts Education

American Alliance for Theatre Education

Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

Sperling has also created many critically-acclaimed scripts, including: